Midlander 17 2015 ENGLISH

Midlander THE MAGAZINE OF MIDLAND – SWISS QUALITY OIL

NO. 17 / AUTUMN 2015

VI CT ORY I N SI G HT

M A RCEL M A U RER IN TH E REN A U LT F O RM U L A PAGE 08

PORTRAIT

FOCUS

PETROL STATION

Moto Senn AG becomes “Harley-Davidson Aargau.” What is behind it?

Harsh operating conditions in rural areas demand flawless lubrication.

There is now a Midland petrol station in Schüpbach, Canton Bern.

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TEAM

NEWS

TEAM

NEWLY EMPLOYED AT OEL-BRACK AG

VASCO LACERDA

PEOPLE RATHER THAN CHEMICAL SUBSTANCES tant, which I completed in 2012. That was my advantage when I started working for Oel-Brack AG in February 2014. The job involves more office work and fewer laboratory activities than I expected. True, it involves a lot of bureaucracy. However, I already knew it would from my apprenticeship, which I completed at the cantonal authority.

Lukas Noth Sales representative BS, BL, and French-speaking Switzerland A warm welcome to the team.

30 YEARS AT OEL-BRACK AG

Thomas Fehlmann Truck Driver Lubricants

15 YEARS AT OEL-BRACK AG

Werner Neeser Truck Driver Lubricants

10 YEARS AT OEL-BRACK AG

I was hired on a temporary basis for a project at Midland. It was and is concerned with the new hazard symbols being introduced with the Globally Harmonized System (GHS). They must be shown on bottle labels, depending on the contents of dangerous substances in the products. Additionally, safety data sheets must be adapted to these new guidelines.

I already knew the GHS from my apprenticeship to become a chemical laboratory assis-

MIDLAND

I will soon be finished with the project, which is good. In autumn 2015, I will begin my course on Applied Psychology at a university of applied sciences. This includes the three areas of occupational psychology, organizational psychology and safety psychology. Perhaps from there I will go on further to sports psychology, as I am very interested in sports and health.

In my spare time I play floor ball and I train C juniors (12 to 13-year-olds) in this sport.

And as an FC Aarau fan, I am hoping for good games in the Challenge League and that my favorite club quickly gets promoted again.

Vasco Lacerda Assistant Chemicals

HUNZENSCHWIL

FIRE BRIGADE COURSE AT MIDLAND Rudolf Eichenberger Truck Driver Lubricants

5 YEARS AT OEL-BRACK AG

Domenico Ciliberto Production and warehouse employee Congratulations to those employees celebrating service anniversaries.

Thank you for your good work and all the best for the future.

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In May 2015, the Hunzenschwil-Schafisheim Fire Brigade conducted part of Aargauische Gebäudeversicherung's group leader course on the Midland site. A total of 75 fire fighters from throughout the canton participated in the six-day training course. The young men and women were trained in firefighting, rescue service and technical assistance to enable them to lead a group at a later stage. Marco Lüscher, commander of the HunzenschwilSchafisheim Fire Brigade and deputy course commander, values the use of real company sites in the course, as certain situations can be simulated much more realistically on these.

Firefighters put out a trial fire.

W W W. L O D U R- A G . C H / H U N Z E N S C H W I L- S C H A F I S H E I M

Midlander // NO. 17 I 2015

FOCUS

NEW BLENDING PLANT

TANKS FOR THE NEW PRODUCTION FACILITY

The tanks are positioned using a special crane.

Midland wants to become more flexible by building a new blending plant.

For this, it requires a large number of tanks, among other things. Their delivery and positioning in the future hall was spectacular to watch.

Twenty tanks with a holding capacity of a hundred thousand liters each for base oils and fourteen tanks with fifty thousand liters each for additives will be part of the new fully automated production facility, the construction of which began in March 2015. In conjunction with containers for blending, the facility will contain more than forty tanks.

The tanks were manufactured by Bonaduzbased Arno Stiefenhofer AG. Subsequently, the professionals of Samuel Amsler AG in Schinznach-Dorf became involved. Using a low-loader trailer, they transported them tank by tank onto the Midland site in Hunzenschwil. Here, Sachseln-based Fanger Kran AG took the reins. With a 250-ton spe-

Midlander // NO. 17 I 2015

cial crane, the operator lifted the tanks individually and positioned them to the millimeter in their future location in the hall, which is still to be completed.

The new blending plant – and with it the tanks – are required because the growing variety of lubricants demands an ever greater number of base stocks and additives.

Commissioning is planned for 2016.

W W W. S T I E F E N H O F E R . C H

W W W. S A M U E L- A M S L E R- A G . C H

W W W. K R A N . F A N G E R . C H

Low-loader trailers were required to transport.

Fredi Brack is personally supervising the work.

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MIDLAND

PRODUCTS

The Martini MK-77 with BMW engine inside the Steiner Motorsport “box” at the 2013 Hemberg hill climb race.

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www.steinermotorsport.ch

Midlander // NO. 17 I 2015

MIDLAND

PRODUCTS

VW OIL NOW FOR OPEL TOO With new specifications, the already usable Midland Crypto3 5W-30 is becoming even more universal. And it is also suitable for Opel/GM. The fuel economy engine oil Midland Crypto3 5W-30 was specifically developed for the engines of the Volkswagen Group with the brands VW, Audi, Seat and Skoda. Now, completely new dimensions are opening up to the classic “VW oil,” for it now fulfils the API SN/CF and GM/OPEL dexos 2 specifications.

Thus, Midland Crypto3 5W-30 can now also be used for vehicles from General Motors – represented in Europe by the brands Opel, Cadillac and Chevrolet. In addition, Midland Crypto3 continues to fulfil the latest specifications – including for vehicles with longlife service intervals – such as BMW and Mercedes-Benz.

With the new specifications, Midland Crypto3 5W-30 is now even better suited as an universal oil for the ambitious multiple-brand company.

MIDLAND TANK CART

SPECIFICATIONS

MOBILE AND PRACTICAL

NEW FROM FIAT AND IVECO

The handy drum cart from Midland creates new flexibility: It allows engines to be filled up with oil in an convenient, easy and clean manner, even in cramped conditions. The multitalent is ideally suited to use in workshops for passenger cars, motorcycles, trucks, and commercial vehicles. Optionally available with a 10m springoperated hose reel.

Numerous Midland engine oils for passenger cars and commercial vehicles now fulfil new specifications from Fiat and IVECO. This makes selecting the right engine oil for vehicles of these brands even easier. More on this in Midland's online lubricant advise.

Midlander // NO. 17 I 2015

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© images: Yves Vollenweider

AN “AMERICAN DREAM” COMES TRUE In March 2015, after eight months of construction, Moto Senn AG began the season as “Harley-Davidson Aargau”. A new era thus begins for the tradition-steeped company in Densbüren at the foot of mountain pass Staffelegg between Aarau and Frick.

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Midlander // NO. 17 I 2015

PORTRAIT

MOTO SENN AG

Piit Volgger, who acquired Moto Senn AG in January 2012, is one of only 18 official HarleyDavidson dealers in Switzerland and the only one in the Canton of Aargau. However, he had to fight for the name “Harley-Davidson Aargau”. He submitted the application in 2012. It was then assessed in England and the USA. In time for the reopening of the company in March 2015, he received the blessing from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA. Since then, he has officially been able to call his company “Harley-Davidson Aargau.”

On the occasion of the building renovation, Piit Volgger took the opportunity to herald a whole new era. After eight months of restructuring and expansion, the work was completed in March 2015. With a 1,200 m2 sales space for motorcycles, clothing and accessories, as well as 1,200 m2 for the workshop and the ware­ house, Harley-Davidson Aargau impresses with its spaciously designed store, modern workstations and an inviting atmosphere. The Densbüren location can boast a tradition extending over more than 40 years and is easily accessible between Aarau and Frick.

Piit Volgger has had an incredible career.

He began as a “dishwasher” and today em­ bodies a Swiss variant of the “American Dream”: After returning from a motorcycle world tour in 1995 he joined Moto Mader in Oberentfelden as a laborer and gradually climbed the ladder until, in 2012, he had the opportunity to acquire the tradition-steeped Moto Senn AG from Wädi Senn. Piit Volgger went for it and since then has gradually reformed the company into Harley-Davidson Aargau, but without forgetting the “old” values and traditions.

In the workshop, the company has always exclusively used lubricants from Midland.

Since Midland is a high-quality Swiss brand, in conjunction with the suitable product portfolio and the perfect delivery service, Piit Volgger would only consider this brand.

Piit Volgger has known his Midland regional sales representative, Manfred Steiner, for more than two decades. “We understand each other intuitively,” he says with a smile.

Manfred Steiner smiles back and pulls out

A look into the Harley-Davidson Aargau workshop.

Piit Volgger

HARLEY-DAVIDSON AARGAU MOTO SENN AG Kaisermatt 1 5026 Densbüren Phone +41 62 867 87 00 info@hd-ag.ch www.hd-ag.ch Founded: 1974 Employees: 18, thereof 8 mechanics Apprentices: 4

“We cover most requirements with the four-stroke motorcycle engine oil MIDLAND MOTORCYCLE 20W-50 . In addition, we need brake fluid, chain spray, gear and fork lubricants as well as single-grade oils for classic Harleys. And we get all of it from Midland,” explains Piit Volgger.

Midlander // NO. 17 I 2015

SERVICES > New motorcycles > Used motorcycles > Service / Repairs / Renovation > Accessories and spare parts > Test drives and trial courses > Clothing

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RACING

MARCEL MAURER

ON THE ROAD TO THE FIRST VICTORY Marcel Maurer is exceeding all expectations. In the first season in the Renault Formula, he has already achieved fifth place overall – doing so in the Swiss slalom and hill climb championship. This year, he would like to achieve his first day victory.

Marcel Maurer at Slalom de Bure in May 2015. It is his second season in the Renault Formula.

First came soapbox races, with the titles of Bernese and Swiss Champion. Then came races with Opel Corsa A and the Triumph Dolomite of his father René Maurer. René Maurer was a gifted racing driver who competed in numerous hill climb and slalom races prior to his death over ten years ago. Since then, Marcel has occasionally been starting in races in memory of his late father in the old man‘s Triumph Dolomite.

The Dolomite scene is small and spare parts are rare. One day, a certain Michel Cerini asked for a windshield. A deal was done and Michel Cerini kept in contact with the young driver. He soon had the idea of putting the young talent into the vacant Renault Formula cockpit in the Scuderia Autoclassica team. The team owner was quickly convinced and enthused. At the same time, Michel Cerini initiated conversations with Midland – without knowing that René Maurer al-

ready had the support of Oel-Brack AG and that, with the agreement, a tradition was continued.

Ultimately, in 2014, Marcel Maurer competed for a whole season with a Formula Renault. He showed his gratitude to his team and supporters by almost always finishing among the top five competitors There were minor slip-ups, of course, but the direction was right. Therefore, Marcel Maurer set a goal for 2015 to achieve his first day victory.

For this, in addition to the support from Autoclassica and Midland he also has “his” own Maurer motorsports team: A whole group of friends and relatives contribute to his success with a lot of effort and voluntary work.

Marcel Maurer swears by the universal spray MIDLAND MS 14 MULTI-SPRAY: “I really do everything with it. For example when I clean the racing car and when I lubricate and preserve suspension parts. Once you've applied the spray, most of the dirt runs down as if by itself.

Leave it briefly to take effect, then wipe it with a cloth and everything is clean again,” he beams.

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© images: jan-fotos.ch

maurer

m motorsportteam

MARCEL MAURER (28) Vehicle: Tatuus Formula Renault

(1,998 cm3) Race series: Swiss Slalom Racing

Championship and Swiss

Hill Climb Championship

2015, total 19 races Category: E2-SS up to 2,000 cm3

(hill climb races) mauro-maurer@bluewin.ch www.maurer-motorsportteam.ch www.autoclassica.ch Midlander // NO. 17 I 2015

PORTRAIT

CONTRACTOR GIGER

WORKING HARD FOR AGRICULTURE Contractor Giger in Sevelen SG contracts all kind of work for farmers, from sowing to harvesting. In the work, some of which is very hard, everything is demanded from the machines. When it comes to lubrication, the contractor places its trust in Midland.

Combine harvester John Deere C670i (432 hp) with a 7.60 m cutting unit and tractor John Deere 6210R (240 hp) with Annaburger dumper (36 m3).

Contractor Giger, based in Sevelen SG, works for farmers in the Werdenberg region, in the St. Gallen Rhine Valley, in Sarganserland, in the Bündner Herrschaft, and even in Vorarlberg, Austria. On a visit to the premises in Sevelen, it quickly becomes clear that professionals are at work here who focus on quality and who offer the whole range of services in agriculture and crop farming.

Unlike at other companies, in agriculture the work takes place outside on the field. Managing Director Christian Giger explains: “We depend on achieving above-average performances in the periods of good weather, which are sometimes short. It is therefore important that our machines, which are mainly maintained in our own workshop, be fit for use.”

A look into the machine hall shows that each piece of equipment here has its function and its place. Nine John Deere tractors and one Fendt tractor, two high-performance Krone BiG M mowers, two combine harvesters, three straw cutters, various square and round balers, and various sowing machines are found there on this rainy day. Under the awnings of the hall, further soil cultivation machinery, dosing carts, silo carts (swap body system with dumper, manure spreader and platform) as well as a Jumbo Pöttinger forage cart with an 8-wheel suspension are there to be admired.

In the process, the very highest requirements are repeatedly set of engines, gears, axles, and hydraulic systems of the tractors and other machines: High loads and extreme demands in a very short time. Here, optimal lubrication is of central importance.

“Here, we trust fully in Midland‘s products,” says Christian Giger. Contractor Giger is served by Midland regional sales representative Harry Faszt, who supports the Gigers with help and advice.

MIDLAND “TOU” TRACTOR HYDRAULIC FLUID is a multifunctional UTTO (universal tractor transmission oil), which can be used in farming and con­ struction machines as hydraulic and gear lubricant. It is also eminently suitable for equipment elements with wet brakes. At the contractor Giger, it is used in many machinery.

Midlander // NO. 17 I 2015

Christian Giger and Hans-Adam Giger

CONTRACTOR GIGER Christian Giger Guschastrasse 150 9475 Sevelen www.lu-giger.ch

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PORTRAIT

KELLER MOTOS AG

The motorcycle meeting point in the Lower Aare Valley: Keller Motos with three brands on 1,200 m2.

“NOWADAYS, MORE IS EXPECTED IN GENERAL” Keller Motos recently celebrated its 30-year anniversary with a big party. However, founder and boss Werner Keller likes to look ahead just as much as he likes to look back.

Whereas in previous times a few brochures sufficed, today a whole fleet of motorcycles must be available for test sitting and testing riding. And more scooters and motorcycles are sold when the bike the customer wants is in stock. Werner Keller can look back at three decades of experience with his company Keller Motos AG in Siggenthal-Station, between Brugg and Baden.

The increased expectation is no problem for Werner Keller. Even the proximity to the German border holds no fear for him. On the contrary: “The price differences have decreased and we have already acquired customers from nearby Germany,” explains Werner Keller. In times of price transparency, it perhaps also benefits him that he represents three brands in Kawasaki, Yamaha, and Aprilia.

Werner Keller has been involved in racing for countless years. In 1988 he founded Keller Corsa and began to offer courses and professional race track training for the clientele.

Conversions and customizations are also part of Keller Motos‘ identity. One of its creations attracted countless admiring glances at the Midland stand at Swiss-Moto 2015.

Motorcycle professional Werner Keller relies on professionals when it comes to oil as well. Thus, both in his workshop and on international race tracks Midland lubricants are the only option for him. His reasons?

“We have had no problems down to this day,” he replies. And should there ever be any, he knows he can rely on his Midland regional sales representative Dominik Hilfiker.

In addition to other lubricants and additional products from Midland, it is mainly MIDLAND MOTORCYCLE 10W-40 that is used in the Keller Motos workshop. The synthetic four-stroke motorcycle engine oil impresses – even in the hardest conditions – with permanent lubrication, the lowest wear and additives to prevent clutch slip.

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Werner Keller in his shop.

Keller Motos

30 JAHRE 1985-2015

KELLER MOTOS AG Industriestrasse 17 5301 Siggenthal-Station Phone +41 56 281 13 13 www.keller-motos.ch info@keller-motos.ch Founded: 1985 Sales area: 1,200 m2 Employees: 11 BRANDS CARRIED: Kawasaki, Yamaha, Aprilia SERVICES > New motorcycles / Used motorcycles / Motorcycles for hire > Clothing / accessories > Tuning and customizing > Courses > Race events Midlander // NO. 17 I 2015

MIDLAND

PETROL STATION

OPENING: MIDLAND PETROL STATION IN SCHÜPBACH TMS Automobile has been represented in Schüpbach for more than 20 years. The official Mitsubishi dealership in the Emmental includes also a petrol station. It is now a Midland petrol station.

US car and rarity specialist.

In addition to a garage and a workshop, TMS Automobile also runs its own body shop, a breakdown service and now also a Midland petrol station. Unleaded 95 gas and diesel can be acquired here 24/7.

Customers who have a TMS customer card and pay in advance benefit from a 2-centime discount on the current petrol price.

TMS AUTOMOBILE GMBH Mitsubishi dealership Hauptstrasse 6a 3535 Schüpbach

Now Midland petrol station attendants: Roland Tröhler (in the car) and Gerhard Müller.

Midlander // NO. 17 I 2015

Phone +41 34 497 14 56 www.tmsautomobile.ch tmsautomobile@bluewin.ch

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MIDLAND EVENTS 2015

MIDLAND EVENTS

Kustom Shakedown

MORE WEIGHT IN BERN: TRANSPORT-CH TRADE FAIR

Indoor Hot Rod, Custom & Rock and Roll Show

Every two years, the transport industry meets in Bern. From November 12 to 15, 2015, it will do so again.

Vianco Arena Brunegg October 30/31 www.kustomshakedown.com

Auto Zurich Automotive trade fair for the Greater Zurich Area

Zurich Trade Fair October 29 – November 1 www.auto-zuerich.ch

transport-CH Swiss Commercial Vehicle trade fair

© image: zVg

Approaching a new visitor record: transport-CH in Bern.

The decision makers meet in the halls of the BEA Expo. All industry associations and all major manufacturers are represented here.

Even European and world premieres of the latest commercial vehicles are on show here. In short: It is definitely worth a visit. Midland will also be there. We look forward to seeing you in Hall 1.2 at Stand A033 at the 8th Swiss Commercial Vehicle trade fair transport-CH.

Bern Expo November 12 – 15 www.transport-ch.com

W W W . T R A N S P O R T- C H . C O M

IMPRINT PUBLISHER: Midland - Swiss Quality Oil Oel-Brack AG Rupperswilerstrasse 3 CH-5502 Hunzenschwil

CONTRIBUTORS: Customers, partners, racing teams and numerous photo­ graphers who provide their pictures. Thank you very much.

Phone +41 62 889 10 30 Fax +41 62 889 10 49 info@oelbrack.ch www.midland.ch

DESIGN: oneflow gmbh, CH-4802 Strengelbach, www.oneflow.ch

EDITOR: Eric Somogyi

PRINTING AND LETTERSHOP: Urs Zuber AG, CH-5734 Reinach AG www.urszuberag.ch

PRINT RUN: 7,000 copies (German version) International english version is only published electronically as PDF. Printing and online publication permitted, reference and information requested.

THE MAGAZINE OF MIDLAND – SWISS QUALITY OIL

COVER PICTURE: Marcel Maurer in the Formula Renault at the Slalom Bure 2015; photograph by Jan Fritz.

More at jan-fotos.ch.